So, I was thinking of using the Gospel of Nicodemus as classroom material for the older kids this year. I have four classes, ranging from preschool kids, 8-10 year olds, 10-12, and 13 upward.

Every Great Lent I teach about Christ's mission, we go over all the events, Holy Week, etc. We do this each year....to a lesser degree each time. For example, when they were younger we went over it in great detail, the next year instead of teaching it in 4 classes, we succinctly "reviewed" in 2, etc. Some kids already "know" it, while others, who sit in the same classes appear to be hearing it all for the first time. Each at their own pace.

So, in about a month, we begin Great Lent, and once again, I would like to review the whole Paschal theme. However, this year the kids are even older, and I was thinking of giving it a different twist, and have them go over the Gospel of Nicodemus, which to me was a really good read... describing all the events and happenings from a different perspective....particularly the gathering of souls awaiting Christ.

I realize it might not be "authentic" and some say controversial, however, is there any harm in studying it?

Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria

So, I was thinking of using the Gospel of Nicodemus as classroom material for the older kids this year. I have four classes, ranging from preschool kids, 8-10 year olds, 10-12, and 13 upward.

Every Great Lent I teach about Christ's mission, we go over all the events, Holy Week, etc. We do this each year....to a lesser degree each time. For example, when they were younger we went over it in great detail, the next year instead of teaching it in 4 classes, we succinctly "reviewed" in 2, etc. Some kids already "know" it, while others, who sit in the same classes appear to be hearing it all for the first time. Each at their own pace.

So, in about a month, we begin Great Lent, and once again, I would like to review the whole Paschal theme. However, this year the kids are even older, and I was thinking of giving it a different twist, and have them go over the Gospel of Nicodemus, which to me was a really good read... describing all the events and happenings from a different perspective....particularly the gathering of souls awaiting Christ.

I realize it might not be "authentic" and some say controversial, however, is there any harm in studying it?

The Gospel of Nicodemus has provided a good amount of hymnography for the latter part of Holy Week, and has given us imagery for the Paschal icon The Harrowing of Hades. So, while it is not part of canonical scriptures, the sainted hymnographers and iconographers have drawn from it in fleshing out Orthodox teaching which is not present in the Gospels. So there is much that is good and useful in it.

Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria